Necklaces

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade Nila glass beads.  Nila glass beads are translucent beads, usually in greenish or blueish colors, quite often found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.(3-5 mm)

For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade Nila glass beads.  Nila glass beads are translucent beads, usually in greenish or blueish colors, quite often found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.(3-5 mm)

For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade Nila glass beads.  Nila glass beads are translucent beads, usually in greenish or blueish colors, quite often found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.(3-5 mm)

For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade Nila glass beads.  Nila glass beads are translucent beads, usually in greenish or blueish colors, quite often found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.(3-5 mm)

For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade Nila glass beads.  Nila glass beads are translucent beads, usually in greenish or blueish colors, quite often found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.(3-5 mm)

For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade Nila glass beads.  Nila glass beads are translucent beads, usually in greenish or blueish colors, quite often found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.(3-5 mm)

A great Tuareg necklace or -shashat- made of glass beads and silver pendants showing a lovely engraved decoration. This type of necklace is offered by the Tuareg men to his bride as an engagement present. Its name derives from the name of the pendants themselves (-chachat-, pronounced -shashat-). These pendants are a clear feminine symbol and the present itself a vow for fertility and abundance.

A great Tuareg necklace or -shashat- made of glass beads and silver pendants showing a lovely engraved decoration. This type of necklace is offered by the Tuareg men to his bride as an engagement present. Its name derives from the name of the pendants themselves (-chachat-, pronounced -shashat-). These pendants are a clear feminine symbol and the present itself a vow for fertility and abundance.

A great Tuareg necklace or -shashat- made of glass beads and silver pendants showing a lovely engraved decoration. This type of necklace is offered by the Tuareg men to his bride as an engagement present. Its name derives from the name of the pendants themselves (-chachat-, pronounced -shashat-). These pendants are a clear feminine symbol and the present itself a vow for fertility and abundance.

A great Tuareg necklace or -shashat- made of glass beads and silver pendants showing a lovely engraved decoration. This type of necklace is offered by the Tuareg men to his bride as an engagement present. Its name derives from the name of the pendants themselves (-chachat-, pronounced -shashat-). These pendants are a clear feminine symbol and the present itself a vow for fertility and abundance.

A very fancy Bohemian glass beads necklace from the 1920’. Glass masters from Bohemia and Moravia have been producing glass beads from more than ten centuries. Of course also during the European colonial period exporting large quantities of trade beads. Very precious for locals in West Africa for its fancy colors and numerous shapes. Elegant!

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the Euro-pean, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignomi-niously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads conti-nued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

An eye-catching and fancy Kuchi necklace from Afghanistan. It is made of beautifully chained metal beads and glass cabochons. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery has become extremely popular among those practising oriental dances and belly-dancing.

A magnificent old Kuchi silver and glass necklace. This piece is an excellet sample of jewellery from that ethnic group. It is made of silver, glass cabochons and other tiny beads. Superb patina and piece. The real thing and certainly not one of the modern version on offer nowadays. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pastoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Early XXth century.

A superb silver and enamel necklace from the Hazara, an ethnic minority group of persian origin that lives in central and Northeastern Afghanistan and in Northwestern Pakistan. This necklace features three flat silver plaques beautifully enameled in two different shades of blue and red with plant decoration. Sadly the technique for the making of these quality pieces has faded. The ensemble also includes nice silver beads and tiny blue, white and green glass beads which make the arrangement extremely attractive. A trip to the "Arabian Nights". The silver plaques are form the second half of the XIXth century and the arrangement more recent.

There are not many examples of beadwork weaving among the Berbers, this labor is much more frequent in sub-Saharan Africa. This beautiful pectoral necklace comes from the Taza region in the Moroccan Middle Atlas.

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- discs from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- discs from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- beads from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- beads from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of recycled glass beads -pâte de verre- from Ghana. 

A Very original set of one hundred and two vintage gilding bath silver beads from the skillful hands of a Mauritanian artisan. Uniques!

Avarage diametre between 5 and 7mm

Superb gilding bath silver beads necklace. It features the characteristic and intricate granulated and filigree decoration of the Mauritanian goldsmiths. Second half of the 20th century.

Central bead measures 17mm in diameter and the smallest 7mm.

A superb strand of Dutch glass trade beads popularly called "moon beads" due to the beautiful opalescent reflection they produce to the light. They were among the trade beads produced in the Netherlands in the 18th century and were widely popular among the Dogons in Mali and also in Ethiopia.

The Dutch beadmaking industry seems to have a short but intense history. Since the SXVI, large quantities of glass beads were produced in the city of Amsterdam thanks to the incorporation of Venetian beadmakers who brought in the necessary techniques and tools to supply Dutch merchants in the incipient trade with the colonies in Africa, Asia and the New World.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion.

The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

A superb strand of sixty eight trade glass biconical beads, most of them are “eye beads” inspired on the much more ancient Islamic type, and five of them with linear decoration are the so called “King beads” by English merchants or Gololo by West Africans. These types of beads were made in Venice as from the beginning of the XIXth century using the lamp work technique. They were made in a variety of colors combining an opaque glass, solid color core (yellow, burgundy, black, green, etc.). These beads were among the most important ones in the gold trade in Africa.

The biggest bead is 16mm long and 23mm diameter and the smallest 10mm by 12mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

Lovely strand of fifty seven trade glass biconical beads. These type of beads  were made in Venice as from the beginning of the XIXth century using the lamp work technique. They were made in a variety of colors combining a opaque glass solid color core (yellow, burgundy, black, green, etc) on which linear decoration was applied in a lively combination of colors. These beads were known in the trade a “King beads” and also, locally, as Gololo beads. These beads were among the most important ones in the gold trade in Africa.

The biggest bead is 20mm long and 22mm diameter and the smallest 12mm by 13mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

Lovely strand of sixty three trade glass biconical beads. These type of beads were made in Venice as from the beginning of the XIXth century using the lamp work technique. They were made in a variety of colors combining a opaque glass solid color core (yellow, burgundy, black, green, etc) on which linear decoration was applied in a lively combination of colors. These beads were known in the trade a “King beads” and also, locally, as Gololo beads. These beads were among the most important ones in the gold trade in Africa.

The biggest bead is 16mm long and 18mm diameter and the smallest 12mm by 12mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

An elegant old silver kuchi torc or choker. This torc shows a simple smithwork with thick silver wire, and one red glass cabochon. It was probably made in the region of Nuristan in Northern Afghanistan close to the Pakistani border. Superb patina. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pastoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mid-XXth century.